Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Kansas, Missouri, and Central & Southern Illinois
2025 Girl’s Summer Jam Youth Retreat
June 6-8, 2025, Branson, Missouri
A Safe Space to Heal, Connect, and Grow Together
This special weekend retreat is designed for young girls ages 12-19 living with lupus. While parents are unable to attend, licensed medical volunteers, mentors, and LFA staff will be on-site at all times. It’s a chance for young lupus warriors to step away from daily challenges and connect with other teens who understand their journey. Here, you’ll find a supportive, empowering space where you can relax, learn, understand the impact of lupus now and as you grow, and be inspired by others who truly understand what you're going through.
What to Expect:
- Interactive Workshops: Engage in fun, informative sessions on managing lupus, staying active, building resilience, and practicing self-care — all led by lupus specialists and mentors.
- Group Activities & Support: Share your experiences in group discussions and connect with other teens who are walking a similar path. Support each other, share laughs, and make lasting friendships.
- Creative Expression: Explore art, journaling, and other creative activities to express your feelings, find new ways to cope, and feel empowered in your lupus journey.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Enjoy relaxing all aimed at helping you manage stress, reduce fatigue, and increase your well-being.
- Nourishing Food: Delight in meals that are not only delicious but tailored to support your health, helping you feel energized and nourished throughout the weekend
Why Attend?
- Connect with Others: Meet other girls living with lupus who truly get what you're going through. Build lasting friendships and a network of support.
- Learn to Manage Lupus: Gain practical tools and strategies to manage your symptoms, boost your energy, and take control of your health.
- Boost Your Confidence: Learn ways to handle stress, stay positive, and grow in confidence as you face lupus with strength and resilience.
- Have Fun: You’ll also have plenty of time to relax, play, and enjoy activities that make you smile. You deserve to have fun and feel supported!
Location:
The retreat will take place at a beautiful, safe, and peaceful venue, surrounded by nature in Branson, Missouri. It’s the perfect place to unwind, learn, and form meaningful connections with others.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited! Don’t miss this opportunity to take a step towards feeling more empowered and connected in your lupus journey. More details on the application process can be found on the link below.
Meet Your Mentors
Hey there! I’m Sara, and I’m so proud to be back at Summer Jam Lupus as a counselor—this place has been part of my heart since I was 14. I’m 27 now, and I can honestly say this is where family is made.
When I was a teenager newly diagnosed with lupus, everything felt uncertain. I was dealing with body changes, emotions all over the place, and now this lifelong condition that no one around me really understood. Camp was the first place I didn’t feel alone. I met girls who just got it—and being surrounded by that kind of support was life-changing.
Over the years, I’ve learned that lupus doesn’t stop your life—it just means you have to live it a little differently. You might have to rest more, speak up for yourself, or learn to say “no” even when you want to say “yes.” But none of that means you can’t have dreams, joy, love, fun, and success.
I’ve graduated with a degree in Funeral Service, and now I’m back in school studying Data Analytics. I’m building a career I’m proud of—and I still carry lessons from camp with me every day.
What matters most to me now is helping you—the next generation of strong, smart, vibrant girls—see just how capable you are. You don’t have to wait to be older to be powerful. Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s strength.
I’m here to lift you up, laugh with you, and remind you that you’re never alone in this. You’ve got a whole camp full of sisters behind you—and I’m so honored to be one of them.
I am Rickell Fletcher known to LFA as Nurse Kelly. I am a 2023 Honors graduate of Kentucky State University School of Nursing. I am currently working as a Cardiac ICU nurse at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. I have lived with Lupus since I was 13 and have overcome many challenges to live my dream of being a nurse.
I want the ladies to know that despite challenges that Lupus doesn't stop the show. I am an active aunt of my two nephews and love doting on them. I am a girl into fashion. If you look good you feel good and again Lupus can't stop the show! I am excited to see the girls and am ready to care for them while motivating them to be the best they can be.
Motto: God is within her, she will not fail
My name is Patricia Dees. I have been an advocate for the Lupus Foundation-Heartland for the past 13 years with the honor of Volunteer of the Year in 2023. I have represented the lupus community at all types of events from walks, health fairs, fundraisers and on capitol hill. I am a mother of a daughter with Lupus, so I relate to what our campers and parents are going through and appreciate being giving the opportunity to be a listening ear during Summer Jam.
I look forward to reconnecting with our returning campers and forging new relationships with newcomers. I am a mother of four including our returning camp nurse, Nurse Kelly, grandmother of two and a member of Gamma Pi Rho Lupus Sorority, INC.
Motto: I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me!
Thank you to our generous donors—Kom Hot Yoga, Element Xero Organics, LLC, Homestate Health and Beiersdorf—for your support and commitment to the lupus community.
